Hugo Rifkind

Pressure was mounting on retailers and councils last night to end rip-off credit card fees costing hundreds of millions of pounds a year. Charges of up to 12 per cent are being added to purchases despite a law change in 2013 designed to prevent companies profiting from credit card payments.Pressure was mounting on retailers and councils last night to end rip-off credit card fees costing hundreds of millions of pounds a year. Charges of up to 12 per cent are being added to purchases despite a law change in 2013 designed to prevent companies profiting from credit card payments.Pressure was mounting on retailers and councils last night to end rip-off credit card fees costing hundreds of millions of...

Plans to allow British nationals to retain their EU citizenship after Brexit are to form part of the European parliament’s negotiating position. The “associate citizenship” status, plans for which were first revealed in The Times, would give those who adopt it the right to freedom of movement and residence throughout the EU as well as...Plans to allow British nationals to retain their EU citizenship after Brexit are to form part of the European parliament’s negotiating position. The “associate citizenship” status, plans for which were first revealed in The Times, would give those who adopt it the right to freedom of movement and residence throughout the EU as well as...Plans to allow British nationals to retain their EU citizenship after Brexit are to form part of the European parliament’s...

The Duke of York has taken the unusual step of issuing a personal statement denying any rift with the Prince of Wales. He posted the message via his own Twitter account last night, saying there was “no truth” in the rumours that he and his older brother had fallen out over his daughters’participation as royal family...The Duke of York has taken the unusual step of issuing a personal statement denying any rift with...The Duke of York has taken the unusual step of issuing a personal statement denying any rift with...

The mystery of how Johann Sebastian Bach intended to finish one of his last works may be solved not by a musical...The mystery of how Johann Sebastian Bach intended to finish one of his last works may be solved...The mystery of how Johann Sebastian Bach intended to finish one of his last works may be solved...

Gerry Adams has always denied committing awful crimes but so far the Sinn Fein president has remained silent on a...Gerry Adams has always denied committing awful crimes but so far the Sinn Fein president has...Gerry Adams has always denied committing awful crimes but so far the Sinn Fein president has...

“God of rock, thank you for this chance to kick ass,” said Dewey Finn, the errant teacher played by Jack Black in the hit film School of Rock. Now musical schoolchildren will be raising their fists in salute to that god after Andrew Lloyd...“God of rock, thank you for this chance to kick ass,” said Dewey Finn, the errant teacher played...“God of rock, thank you for this chance to kick ass,” said Dewey Finn, the errant teacher played...

Sylvie Bermann has thought long and hard about the British sport of what she calls “French bashing”. It features in a favourite Yes, Prime Minister episode of hers, when the British and Americans put aside their official notes to indulge in a few...Sylvie Bermann has thought long and hard about the British sport of what she calls “French bashing”.Sylvie Bermann has thought long and hard about the British sport of what she calls “French bashing”.

A teenager fled Afghanistan and made his way to Britain via the Calais migrant camp the Jungle only to be killed outside a Tesco store in west London. Friends of Khalid Safi, 18, said that he came to Britain alone five years...A teenager fled Afghanistan and made his way to Britain via the Calais migrant camp the Jungle only to be killed outside a Tesco store in west London. Friends of Khalid Safi, 18, said that he came to Britain alone five years...A teenager fled Afghanistan and made his way to Britain via the Calais migrant camp the Jungle only to be killed...

A man burgled the homes of wealthy people to pay for a £30,000 wedding at a stately home, a court heard. Ben Catterill, 32, used the cash from selling jewellery, watches and luxury handbags to put down a £5,000 deposit for his...A man burgled the homes of wealthy people to pay for a £30,000 wedding at a stately home, a court heard. Ben Catterill, 32, used the cash from selling jewellery, watches and luxury handbags to put down a £5,000 deposit for his...A man burgled the homes of wealthy people to pay for a £30,000 wedding at a stately home, a court heard. Ben...

The potential for a “cyberspace Pearl Harbor” is growing as countries such as North Korea, Iran and Russia test the boundaries of internet warfare, security experts said last night. Britain, the United States and their allies are also building and testing cyberweapons but, unlike with conventional arsenals, no one knows for sure what damage their adversaries can inflict...The potential for a “cyberspace Pearl Harbor” is growing as countries such as North Korea, Iran...The potential for a “cyberspace Pearl Harbor” is growing as countries such as North Korea, Iran...

A cyberweapon looks nothing like a gun or a tank but it can be just as deadly. IT specialists dubbed cyberwarriors...A cyberweapon looks nothing like a gun or a tank but it can be just as deadly. IT specialists dubbed cyberwarriors write code to carry out tasks from wiping the hard drive of a computer to shutting down an entire power station. Weapons are designed to achieve a specific goal but they cannot always be controlled. A...A cyberweapon looks nothing like a gun or a tank but it can be just as deadly. IT specialists dubbed cyberwarriors write code...

The Rolling Stones have scored their first No 1 album with a new record in more than 20 years, one day after Sir Mick Jagger became a father for the eighth time at the age of 73. Recorded in only three days, Blue & Lonesome...The Rolling Stones have scored their first No 1 album with a new record in more than 20 years, one day after Sir Mick Jagger became a father for the eighth time at the age of 73. Recorded in only three days, Blue & Lonesome...The Rolling Stones have scored their first No 1 album with a new record in more than 20 years, one day after Sir Mick...

The president of the United States does not usually take kindly to uninvited visitors, but a London start-up has devised a way for smartphone users to catch a glimpse of life in the White House. Nexus Studios, a...The president of the United States does not usually take kindly to uninvited visitors, but a London start-up has devised a way for smartphone users to catch a glimpse of life in the White House. Nexus Studios, a...The president of the United States does not usually take kindly to uninvited visitors, but a London start-up has...

Fear of technology taking our jobs runs deep. As long ago as 1589, Elizabeth I denied a patent to a newfangled knitting machine, saying: “Consider thou what the invention could do to my poor subjects. It would assuredly bring to them ruin by depriving them of employment, thus making them beggars.” The threat today is from artificial intelligence, the technology allowing...Fear of technology taking our jobs runs deep. As long ago as 1589, Elizabeth I denied a patent to...Fear of technology taking our jobs runs deep. As long ago as 1589, Elizabeth I denied a patent to...

Plane spotters equipped with drones to capture aerial footage have emerged as the latest threat to aircraft. A report...Plane spotters equipped with drones to capture aerial footage have emerged as the latest threat to aircraft. A report on a dramatic near-miss involving a drone and a passenger jet carrying up to 150 people warned of the risk presented by the enthusiasts. During the incident the Airbus A320’s first officer shouted...Plane spotters equipped with drones to capture aerial footage have emerged as the latest threat to aircraft. A report on a...

In Guernsey there is a taboo word: collaboration. When the island’s deputy leader said last year that it “bore some...In Guernsey there is a taboo word: collaboration. When the island’s deputy leader said last year...In Guernsey there is a taboo word: collaboration. When the island’s deputy leader said last year...

During the battle of Ramree Island off Burma in February 1945, some 900 Japanese troops crossed ten miles of mangrove...During the battle of Ramree Island off Burma in February 1945, some 900 Japanese troops crossed...During the battle of Ramree Island off Burma in February 1945, some 900 Japanese troops crossed...

Donald Trump, my boss, the idiot on the Tube who insisted on playing loud music on his boom box, even the cat that uses my garden as its personal lavatory: I forgive you all. This is unusual, because I am not by nature a forgiving person. But I am...Donald Trump, my boss, the idiot on the Tube who insisted on playing loud music on his boom box...Donald Trump, my boss, the idiot on the Tube who insisted on playing loud music on his boom box...

Daily Universal Register

Briefing

Today

UK: Anthony Joshua, the British boxer and Olympic champion, is due to make the second defence of his IBF world heavyweight title against US fighter Eric Molina; the London Santacon event takes place, an annual event during which hundreds of people congregate dressed as Santa Claus or his reindeer and parade through the city; the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, the annual series of science talks, begin.

Norway: The Nobel peace prize will be presented by King Harald V to Juan Manuel Santos, the Colombian president, who secured a ceasefire and peace deal earlier this year in an attempt to end a 50-year civil war.

Italy: Sergio Mattarella, the Italian president, continues talks with party leaders in an attempt to fill the vacancy left afetr the resignation of Matteo Renzi as prime minister earlier in the week.

Poland: The European Film Awards 2016 ceremony takes place.

Tomorrow

UK: The National Rail winter timetable comes into effect.

Norway: The Nobel peace prize concert is staged in honour of the 2016 laureate, Juan Manuel Santos, the Colombian president.

On this day

In 1868 the world’s first traffic lights, off Parliament Square in London, began operating.

Iin 1898 Cuba became an independent state.

In 1936 Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry the American divorcée Wallis Simpson.

In 1941 the battleship Prince of Wales and the battlecruiser Repulse were sunk by Japanese aircraft.

In 1961 Alfred Luthuli, leader of the banned African National Congress, criticised South Africa’s regime as he received the Nobel peace prize.

In 1988 up to 45,000 people died and a further 500,000 were left homeless after an earthquake in Armenia.

Nature notes

There are now a small number of black redstarts in Britain, quite widely distributed, with some in towns. This is a robin-like bird; the male of which is mostly black with conspicuous orange-red sides to its tail. The female is brown but has a similar tail. They constantly flick their tail up and down and it trembles as it rises and falls. In the summer some migrate up from the Mediterranean to nest here, then go back, while in autumn others arrive here from the north. They are often seen on the roofs of tall buildings, and Salisbury and Worcester cathedrals have each had one flitting between their pinnacles in the past few days. Their lively red tail quickly attracts attention. They also frequent the tops of the towers in power stations. Black redstarts will drop down to the ground to feed on insects and they are also sometimes found running about on beaches or sitting on breakwaters and sea walls. In winter they are generally alone.

When the rage seized him and he got a blade in his hands, Qasim wanted to cut off heads. Sometimes he lingered in the shadows of his home in Mosul grasping a kitchen knife, muttering. Sometimes he ran outside, searching for victims in the street. He had seen death before; he had seen men beheaded, shot and thrown from buildings. He still, when he is angry, wants to kill.When the rage seized him and he got a blade in his hands, Qasim wanted to cut off heads.When the rage seized him and he got a blade in his hands, Qasim wanted to cut off heads.

Hundreds of men have been reported missing since fleeing east Aleppo to seek sanctuary with the regime, the United...Hundreds of men have been reported missing since fleeing east Aleppo to seek sanctuary with the regime, the United Nations confirmed yesterday, bolstering a sense of panic in remaining opposition districts. Credible reports that residents were being rounded up and the men separated off surfaced after the surge into...Hundreds of men have been reported missing since fleeing east Aleppo to seek sanctuary with the regime, the United Nations...

A ring of trailer homes dotting a remote rocky hillside is an unlikely crucible for creating the future shape of Israel. Amona, founded in the 1990s, is not on any map but sits just to the east of Ofra, one of the oldest...A ring of trailer homes dotting a remote rocky hillside is an unlikely crucible for creating the future shape of Israel. Amona, founded in the 1990s, is not on any map but sits just to the east of Ofra, one of the oldest...A ring of trailer homes dotting a remote rocky hillside is an unlikely crucible for creating the future shape of Israel.

South Korea’s acting president warned of a crisis with North Korea, after Park Geun Hye was stripped of power yesterday following an overwhelming national assembly vote to impeach her. The prime minister, Hwang Kyo Ahn, who...South Korea’s acting president warned of a crisis with North Korea, after Park Geun Hye was stripped of power yesterday following an overwhelming national assembly vote to impeach her. The prime minister, Hwang Kyo Ahn, who...South Korea’s acting president warned of a crisis with North Korea, after Park Geun Hye was stripped of power...

After two tours in Iraq as a photographer in the US marines, Scotty Bob Morgan worried that civilian life would be rather boring. Then he found a job as a wingsuit pilot. It involves flying at 100mph down the sides of mountains, skimming over...After two tours in Iraq as a photographer in the US marines, Scotty Bob Morgan worried that...After two tours in Iraq as a photographer in the US marines, Scotty Bob Morgan worried that...

A student in Japan has been arrested for stealing hair from a woman travelling on a packed commuter train in order to...A student in Japan has been arrested for stealing hair from a woman travelling on a packed...A student in Japan has been arrested for stealing hair from a woman travelling on a packed...

Amsterdam Geert Wilders, leader of the populist Party for Freedom, has been found guilty of insulting and inciting...Amsterdam Geert Wilders, leader of the populist Party for Freedom, has been found guilty of...Amsterdam Geert Wilders, leader of the populist Party for Freedom, has been found guilty of...

It was November 8 and preparations for Rishma Nishal’s wedding were under way. The bride and her family spent the evening making sweets, and their courtyard walls had been repainted a cheerful blue for the party. The house brimmed with nervous...It was November 8 and preparations for Rishma Nishal’s wedding were under way. The bride and her...It was November 8 and preparations for Rishma Nishal’s wedding were under way. The bride and her...

The American media group 21st Century Fox has struck a deal to buy Sky, five years after abandoning an £8 billion attempt for the broadcaster after the phone-hacking scandal. The conglomerate, which is the leading shareholder in Sky with a 39 per cent stake, said that it would buy the rest of the shares it did not already own for £10.75 a share in cash, less any future...The American media group 21st Century Fox has struck a deal to buy Sky, five years after...The American media group 21st Century Fox has struck a deal to buy Sky, five years after...

The Santa rally arrived early as the FTSE 100 enjoyed its best week since the post-Brexit vote rebound, buoyed by...The Santa rally arrived early as the FTSE 100 enjoyed its best week since the post-Brexit vote rebound, buoyed by Wall Street hitting a record high for a third day running. Global equity markets have risen since Donald Trump was elected last month on expectations that the president-elect will deliver on his promise...The Santa rally arrived early as the FTSE 100 enjoyed its best week since the post-Brexit vote rebound, buoyed by Wall Street...

The multibillion-pound peer-to-peer lending industry is facing a crackdown after a Financial Conduct Authority review found that it may be benefiting from regulatory loopholes and exposing investors to undue risks. The City regulator indicated...The multibillion-pound peer-to-peer lending industry is facing a crackdown after a Financial...The multibillion-pound peer-to-peer lending industry is facing a crackdown after a Financial...

The hunter became the hunted yesterday when Fyffes, the 128-year-old Irish fruit producer, recommended that its shareholders accept a €751 million takeover offer from the Sumitomo Corporation, of Japan. Just over two years...The hunter became the hunted yesterday when Fyffes, the 128-year-old Irish fruit producer, recommended that its shareholders accept a €751 million takeover offer from the Sumitomo Corporation, of Japan. Just over two years...The hunter became the hunted yesterday when Fyffes, the 128-year-old Irish fruit producer, recommended that its...

Italy has been left with no option but to rescue its third-largest lender after the European Central Bank refused to delay its deadline for a €5 billion emergency fundraising beyond the end of the year. Shares in Monte dei...Italy has been left with no option but to rescue its third-largest lender after the European Central Bank refused to delay its deadline for a €5 billion emergency fundraising beyond the end of the year. Shares in Monte dei...Italy has been left with no option but to rescue its third-largest lender after the European Central Bank refused to...

A downturn in temperatures helped to produce an upturn in sales as Britain’s high street had its best November in six years. Research by BDO showed sales growth of 1.7 per cent year-on-year, the best overall monthly performance in 14 months. The...A downturn in temperatures helped to produce an upturn in sales as Britain’s high street had its...A downturn in temperatures helped to produce an upturn in sales as Britain’s high street had its...

Hopes that an end is in sight for the payment protection insurance scandal were dealt a heavy blow yesterday when the City watchdog failed to set a deadline for claims. The Financial Conduct Authority had said that it expected...Hopes that an end is in sight for the payment protection insurance scandal were dealt a heavy blow yesterday when the City watchdog failed to set a deadline for claims. The Financial Conduct Authority had said that it expected...Hopes that an end is in sight for the payment protection insurance scandal were dealt a heavy blow yesterday when the...

Britons expect prices to rise by an average of 2.8 per cent over the next 12 months, according to the Bank of England. With inflation expectations at their highest point since August 2014, there is also a growing belief that...Britons expect prices to rise by an average of 2.8 per cent over the next 12 months, according to the Bank of England. With inflation expectations at their highest point since August 2014, there is also a growing belief that...Britons expect prices to rise by an average of 2.8 per cent over the next 12 months, according to the Bank of England.

Quiz: Edgar’s XI

Revelations of Russia’s “unprecedented corruption” at the London 2012 Olympics may lead to the country being banned from sending a team to next year’s athletics World Championships in the capital. The final report from doping investigator, Professor Richard McLaren, has unravelled a sophisticated...Revelations of Russia’s “unprecedented corruption” at the London 2012 Olympics may lead to the country being banned from sending a team to next year’s athletics World Championships in the capital. The final report from doping investigator, Professor Richard McLaren, has unravelled a sophisticated...Revelations of Russia’s “unprecedented corruption” at the London 2012 Olympics may lead to the country being banned from...

Day by numbing day, story by horrifying story, the numbers soar in the sexual abuse scandal engulfing football: 83 potential suspects, 98 clubs impacted and 350 victims. As of yesterday. This is not simply an ignominy befalling one sport, one prominent part of English society. This crisis shaming football reflects a broader cataclysm...Day by numbing day, story by horrifying story, the numbers soar in the sexual abuse scandal engulfing football: 83 potential suspects, 98 clubs impacted and 350 victims. As of yesterday. This is not simply an ignominy befalling one sport, one prominent part of English society. This crisis shaming football reflects a broader cataclysm...Day by numbing day, story by horrifying story, the numbers soar in the sexual abuse scandal engulfing football: 83 potential...

We knew there was a doping system, a factory in Moscow producing cheats; but only yesterday did we fathom the staggering number of people inside it. More than 1,000 Russian athletes — a thousand! — aided and abetted by corrupt coaches, drug suppliers, dodgy doctors and laboratory technicians, gathering urine...We knew there was a doping system, a factory in Moscow producing cheats; but only yesterday did...We knew there was a doping system, a factory in Moscow producing cheats; but only yesterday did...

England have a fine recent record in Mumbai and you don’t have to be a cricketing Einstein to work out why. On the past three occasions, including this game, their first-innings scores have been 400 or more, taking advantage of the golden rule in these parts that the early stages shape a game. No side has lost a Test at the Wankhede having made such a score at the start...England have a fine recent record in Mumbai and you don’t have to be a cricketing Einstein to...England have a fine recent record in Mumbai and you don’t have to be a cricketing Einstein to...

Parthiv Patel, the India wicketkeeper, has offered a scathing critique of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, saying that the...Parthiv Patel, the India wicketkeeper, has offered a scathing critique of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, saying that the England spin bowlers are at a level below those of the home team. Ali and Rashid struggled to contain India’s batsmen as the home side finished the second day of the fourth Test on 146 for one in...Parthiv Patel, the India wicketkeeper, has offered a scathing critique of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, saying that the England...

It was a scandalous decision, a travesty, an affront to everything football should stand for. They dressed it up as...It was a scandalous decision, a travesty, an affront to everything football should stand for.It was a scandalous decision, a travesty, an affront to everything football should stand for.

So, it has finally happened. I have become one of those ex-players I always promised I would never be: the retired...So, it has finally happened. I have become one of those ex-players I always promised I would...So, it has finally happened. I have become one of those ex-players I always promised I would...

Mr Invincible is walking past the framed images of Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry and a long blue board commemorating every game of Arsenal’s unbeaten year in 2003-04. The ghosts of the Clock End may finally be exorcised if this German-Albanian World Cup winner can provide the answer to the club’s perennial back-four flaw. “I really don’t like losing,” he says. It shows.Mr Invincible is walking past the framed images of Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry and a long...Mr Invincible is walking past the framed images of Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry and a long...

Arsène Wenger has compared Alexis Sánchez to Thierry Henry after revealing that he initially believed that he had...Arsène Wenger has compared Alexis Sánchez to Thierry Henry after revealing that he initially believed that he had made a mistake in converting the Chilean to a centre forward. It was at Goodison Park in August 2014 when the Arsenal manager first moved Sánchez from a wide role to fill in as the focal striker but it...Arsène Wenger has compared Alexis Sánchez to Thierry Henry after revealing that he initially believed that he had made a...

I was at the Renault factory recently where several hundred people were employed to make a car move a few hundredths of a second quicker. It made me think about Leicester City’s decline this season. Sometimes in sport, if you go just a...I was at the Renault factory recently where several hundred people were employed to make a car...I was at the Renault factory recently where several hundred people were employed to make a car...

Roman Abramovich’s long-term commitment to Chelsea is being questioned in the Russian business community as many of...Roman Abramovich’s long-term commitment to Chelsea is being questioned in the Russian business...Roman Abramovich’s long-term commitment to Chelsea is being questioned in the Russian business...

In the verdict of one newspaper this week, Pep Guardiola “didn’t pass any fashion tests” on the touchline at the...In the verdict of one newspaper this week, Pep Guardiola “didn’t pass any fashion tests” on the...In the verdict of one newspaper this week, Pep Guardiola “didn’t pass any fashion tests” on the...

Championship fixtures

Astronaut, senator and hero of the space age who was the first American to orbit the Earth

When John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth — the feat made him the most famous man in the world — he watched with wonder from far above. Thirty-six years later, after a second career in politics, he made history again, becoming the oldest person in space at the age of 77. Glenn’s early exploits were the subject of the Tom Wolfe book, The Right Stuff...When John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth — the feat made him the most famous...When John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth — the feat made him the most famous...

Although her extravagant tastes — and vast shoe collection — earned her the nickname the “Imelda Marcos of India”...Although her extravagant tastes — and vast shoe collection — earned her the nickname the “Imelda Marcos of India”, Jayaram Jayalalitha preferred to think of herself as India’s iron lady. Margaret Thatcher might have been less keen on the comparison given that Jayalalitha was not only one of India’s most colourful...Although her extravagant tastes — and vast shoe collection — earned her the nickname the “Imelda Marcos of India”, Jayaram...

The festive season means indulgence, but it’s important to be careful when giving pets extra titbits. Some foods are...The festive season means indulgence, but it’s important to be careful when giving pets extra...The festive season means indulgence, but it’s important to be careful when giving pets extra...

Vets at the animal charity PDSA brought a terrier back from the dead after his heart stopped on the operating table.Vets at the animal charity PDSA brought a terrier back from the dead after his heart stopped on...Vets at the animal charity PDSA brought a terrier back from the dead after his heart stopped on...

1 In the system of Greek numerals, sigma has a value of what three-digit number? 2 In a seminal essay of 1971, Linda Nochlin asked: Why Have There Been No Great Women. . . what? 3 Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teenager, is exposed to a strange mist and becomes which comic book superhero? 4 Who was the father of Cesare (born c 1475), Giovanni (c 1476)...1 In the system of Greek numerals, sigma has a value of what three-digit number? 2 In a seminal...1 In the system of Greek numerals, sigma has a value of what three-digit number? 2 In a seminal...

Last December was the wettest and mildest December on record in the UK. Now a study has revealed that last winter...Last December was the wettest and mildest December on record in the UK. Now a study has revealed that last winter also experienced the most extreme floods on record. Rainfall between November 2015 and January 2016 led to record river flows across much of the country. Peak flows on some rivers have been calculated to...Last December was the wettest and mildest December on record in the UK. Now a study has revealed that last winter also...

When I first went to Boston, Massachusetts, I stayed in a hotel called the Copley Plaza just off Copley Square. I didn’t ask (as you don’t) who this Copley was to have such places named after him. The answer would have been that John Singleton...When I first went to Boston, Massachusetts, I stayed in a hotel called the Copley Plaza just off...When I first went to Boston, Massachusetts, I stayed in a hotel called the Copley Plaza just off...

The name Runciman comes from “rouncey-man”, a dealer in packhorses. The family had gone up in the world by the time of Steven Runciman’s birth in 1903, however. His Geordie grandfather, Walter, a comic-opera tycoon, was raised to the peerage, and...The name Runciman comes from “rouncey-man”, a dealer in packhorses. The family had gone up in the...The name Runciman comes from “rouncey-man”, a dealer in packhorses. The family had gone up in the...

I pity the children’s author committed to writing a book encouraging its readers to say sorry. They can end up...I pity the children’s author committed to writing a book encouraging its readers to say sorry.I pity the children’s author committed to writing a book encouraging its readers to say sorry.

At first acquaintance Bedfordshire seems a rather nondescript county to walk in. It’s hard to get a grasp on the character of this low-rolling region, with its large arable fields. Yet you soon develop a taste for the many old copses and hedgerows...At first acquaintance Bedfordshire seems a rather nondescript county to walk in. It’s hard to get...At first acquaintance Bedfordshire seems a rather nondescript county to walk in. It’s hard to get...

In the dark days of winter, white flowers add essential sparkle to the garden. Winter-flowering clematis are my...In the dark days of winter, white flowers add essential sparkle to the garden. Winter-flowering...In the dark days of winter, white flowers add essential sparkle to the garden. Winter-flowering...

Yellowhammers were practically the only birds that were still left singing in August, and in farmland their songs...Yellowhammers were practically the only birds that were still left singing in August, and in...Yellowhammers were practically the only birds that were still left singing in August, and in...

Many people striving to get through the next fortnight of seemingly ceaseless spending may be tempted to spread the cost with a zero per cent credit card. Analysts say that competition to offer the most attractive deals, with the longest interest-free term, is higher than ever. Rachel Springall, a finance expert at Moneyfacts, the analytics business, says the average...Many people striving to get through the next fortnight of seemingly ceaseless spending may be...Many people striving to get through the next fortnight of seemingly ceaseless spending may be...

When you’re thinking of Christmas presents for your children, it’s probably gadgets, Hatchimals and Furbies that are...When you’re thinking of Christmas presents for your children, it’s probably gadgets, Hatchimals and Furbies that are at the top of your shopping list. The idea of giving money instead might sound dull, but it can be a great way for parents and grandparents to help children to save for future expenses such as...When you’re thinking of Christmas presents for your children, it’s probably gadgets, Hatchimals and Furbies that are at the top...

The run-up to Christmas is the season of goodwill, with more charity-giving than at any other point in the year, according to Givey, the online donation site. However, it warns, too many people are not giving efficiently. Just 6.6 per cent of UK...The run-up to Christmas is the season of goodwill, with more charity-giving than at any other...The run-up to Christmas is the season of goodwill, with more charity-giving than at any other...

Donald Trump has spoken to Nicola Sturgeon in his latest departure from the norms of international diplomacy. The president-elect of the United States requested a phone call with Scotland’s first minister who has been an outspoken critic and loudly backed his rival Hillary Clinton for the presidency. The pair spoke for about ten minutes at around 4pm yesterday after the...Donald Trump has spoken to Nicola Sturgeon in his latest departure from the norms of...Donald Trump has spoken to Nicola Sturgeon in his latest departure from the norms of...

Families bereaved by two fatal road incidents have reacted angrily after being told by judges they cannot launch...Families bereaved by two fatal road incidents have reacted angrily after being told by judges they cannot launch private prosecutions against the drivers. Relatives of Mhairi Convy and Laura Stewart, who were killed when a 4x4 vehicle mounted a pavement in Glasgow, were left furious by the ruling, claiming they had...Families bereaved by two fatal road incidents have reacted angrily after being told by judges they cannot launch private...

Scotland should establish a state-funded Muslim school to acknowledge the country’s multicultural landscape, according to a new study. A report by academics at the University of Edinburgh says that a significant proportion of...Scotland should establish a state-funded Muslim school to acknowledge the country’s multicultural landscape, according to a new study. A report by academics at the University of Edinburgh says that a significant proportion of...Scotland should establish a state-funded Muslim school to acknowledge the country’s multicultural landscape...

Family doctors say they are being forced to rush consultations with sick patients as rising workloads reduce the quality of care they can offer. A poll of 900 family doctors across Scotland, conducted by the BMA, found...Family doctors say they are being forced to rush consultations with sick patients as rising workloads reduce the quality of care they can offer. A poll of 900 family doctors across Scotland, conducted by the BMA, found...Family doctors say they are being forced to rush consultations with sick patients as rising workloads reduce the...

Scotland’s largest teaching union has expressed concerns over proposals by the SNP to overhaul the delivery of...Scotland’s largest teaching union has expressed concerns over proposals by the SNP to overhaul...Scotland’s largest teaching union has expressed concerns over proposals by the SNP to overhaul...

Brexit could have a severe impact on private schools in Edinburgh if it forces parents working in the financial...Brexit could have a severe impact on private schools in Edinburgh if it forces parents working in...Brexit could have a severe impact on private schools in Edinburgh if it forces parents working in...

US officials have been ordered to release documents that could reveal how American swim coaches “greased the wheels” for George Gibney to be granted a green card despite his alleged sexual abuse of several children while he was Ireland’s national coach. A San Francisco court ordered the...US officials have been ordered to release documents that could reveal how American swim coaches “greased the wheels” for George Gibney to be granted a green card despite his alleged sexual abuse of several children while he was Ireland’s national coach. A San Francisco court ordered the...US officials have been ordered to release documents that could reveal how American swim coaches “greased the wheels” for George...

A Catholic anti-abortion group connected to the Times investigation into crisis pregnancy agencies has admitted that abortion does not cause breast cancer. The Good Counsel Network, which operates in Ireland and the UK, has compared abortion to terrorism, defended the Magdalene Laundries and described using contraception as an act of...A Catholic anti-abortion group connected to the Times investigation into crisis pregnancy agencies has admitted that abortion does not cause breast cancer. The Good Counsel Network, which operates in Ireland and the UK, has compared abortion to terrorism, defended the Magdalene Laundries and described using contraception as an act of...A Catholic anti-abortion group connected to the Times investigation into crisis pregnancy agencies has admitted that abortion...

Gerry Adams came under increased criticism yesterday after he again refused to name the IRA man who gave details on Brian Stack’s murder in 2013. Mr Adams insisted yesterday that he would protect confidential sources and would not name the man who is believed to know who was involved in the killing. Michael Noonan...Gerry Adams came under increased criticism yesterday after he again refused to name the IRA man...Gerry Adams came under increased criticism yesterday after he again refused to name the IRA man...

The GP accused of killing her disabled daughter with a fatal dose of sedative gave her child perfect care but was finding it difficult to keep going, a specialist nurse told her trial yesterday. Bernadette Scully, 58, has...The GP accused of killing her disabled daughter with a fatal dose of sedative gave her child perfect care but was finding it difficult to keep going, a specialist nurse told her trial yesterday. Bernadette Scully, 58, has...The GP accused of killing her disabled daughter with a fatal dose of sedative gave her child perfect care but was...

Ireland needs a new TK Whitaker and a new Seán Lemass. As those leaders turned Ireland from a closed to an open trading country in the 1950s, we need another strategic leap to a more sustainable economic model. The science of...Ireland needs a new TK Whitaker and a new Seán Lemass. As those leaders turned Ireland from a closed to an open trading country in the 1950s, we need another strategic leap to a more sustainable economic model. The science of...Ireland needs a new TK Whitaker and a new Seán Lemass. As those leaders turned Ireland from a closed to an open...

Fyffes, one of Ireland’s largest companies, has been bought by Sumitomo Corporation in a €751 million deal that will allow the company to expand trade outside of Japan. Sumitomo is offering €2.23 in cash per share, a 49 per cent premium to...Fyffes, one of Ireland’s largest companies, has been bought by Sumitomo Corporation in a €751...Fyffes, one of Ireland’s largest companies, has been bought by Sumitomo Corporation in a €751...

An internet café manager kicked a customer to death during a “seven to ten second” loss of control after a row over a 70-cent phone call, his sentence hearing was told. At the Central Criminal Court last month, Zhen Dong Zhao...An internet café manager kicked a customer to death during a “seven to ten second” loss of control after a row over a 70-cent phone call, his sentence hearing was told. At the Central Criminal Court last month, Zhen Dong Zhao...An internet café manager kicked a customer to death during a “seven to ten second” loss of control after a row over a...

The son of the man found liable for the Omagh bombing has been jailed for seven and a half years, by the Special Criminal Court for his role in building a 500-pound bomb. Conan Murphy, 30, pleaded guilty to the possession of...The son of the man found liable for the Omagh bombing has been jailed for seven and a half years, by the Special Criminal Court for his role in building a 500-pound bomb. Conan Murphy, 30, pleaded guilty to the possession of...The son of the man found liable for the Omagh bombing has been jailed for seven and a half years, by the Special...

England captain Dylan Hartley faces the prospect of a lengthy ban after being shown a straight red card for a swinging arm in last night’s Champions Cup match between Northampton Saints and Leinster. It was a fine win for Leinster, putting them in...England captain Dylan Hartley faces the prospect of a lengthy ban after being shown a straight...England captain Dylan Hartley faces the prospect of a lengthy ban after being shown a straight...

Stripped to their briefs, both Katie Taylor and Anthony Joshua weighed in yesterday afternoon ahead of their respective bouts in Manchester tonight. The pair are impressive specimens, but the clothing IBF world champion Joshua wore before stepping...Stripped to their briefs, both Katie Taylor and Anthony Joshua weighed in yesterday afternoon...Stripped to their briefs, both Katie Taylor and Anthony Joshua weighed in yesterday afternoon...

Rivalries are generally created over years yet athletics newest rivalry will contest Sunday’s European cross country championship when Fionnuala McCormack meets Yasmin Can. McCormack was odds on to land a third European cross country title until...Rivalries are generally created over years yet athletics newest rivalry will contest Sunday’s...Rivalries are generally created over years yet athletics newest rivalry will contest Sunday’s...